Happenings on the hill this weekend

It’s only Thursday, but I’m already anxious for the weekend. (Sigh.) On the upside, there is a lot to look forward to…

The Queen Anne Helpline Treasure Sale gets started today at 2:00 PM and runs through noon on Saturday. Bargain hunters will be happy with the offerings of new or gently used premium clothing, new bikes and sought-after collectibles; those with a sweet tooth will be equally pleased with the coffee and cookie corner.

Then on Saturday, April 9th, shake your groove thing at the McClure Mixer. A fundraiser and community dance party, this adults-only event is held at the Queen Anne Community Center from 7:00 to 10:00 PM. Also featuring a silent auction and wine grab, the $20 per ticket entry fee includes music, light refreshments and the opportunity to mingle with friends and neighbors. It’s like a neighborhood-wide block party. Oh, did I mention there is also a no-host bar?

Speaking of fundraisers, this weekend kids from Coe Elementary and McClure Middle School will be kicking off a fundraiser that is both good for the earth and for school coffers. Got an old cell phone or PlayStation collecting dust? Are you using your first generation iPod as a door stop? Well donate your used small electronics to kids from these schools as part of an Upcycle4Hope Digital Drive. That non-profit organization will then re-furbish, recycle or part out the units and will cut a check back to the school; the schools get about 70% of the proceeds on the item. Your old item gets out of your house (but not into the landfill) and local schools benefit. Winner, winner, chicken dinner. To make it super easy to donate, kids from Coe Elementary will be manning a collection center on Sunday April 10th from 1:00 – 4:00 PM outside Starbucks (at the corner of Queen Anne Avenue North and Boston Streets.) The Digital Drive run by both these schools will go from Friday, April 8th through April 15th; if you are busy on Sunday, feel free to drop off your donation at either building. Click here to see a list of items accepted for donation.

Finally, after all that donating and dancing, you’ll be hungry. (Yes, you will. Don’t deny it.) Good news…Seattle Restaurant Week kicks off on Sunday! For a mere $28 (not including tax, tip or vino), a bevy of King County restaurants offer 3 course dinners. Many of these same award-winning restaurants are also offering lunches for $15. There are 13 participating restaurants on Queen Anne, including Canlis, How to Cook a Wolf, Ten Mercer and Boat Street Café. This program is available on April 10-14 and again on April 17-21. Click here for a complete list of eateries, and to book your table.